The first KIMAA seminar of 2018 was held in Sydney, on the weekend of March 10-11, at Annangrove Dojo.
The focus of the seminar was Kyokushin Karate. Kihon and kata were practised at length, interspersed with fitness and sparring sessions. Tameshiwari (board breaking) and Kobudo (weapons) were also undertaken.
Saturday kicked off with an intense basics session with Shihan Rick Cunningham and Shihan Peter Olive. After everyone was suitably sweaty, the class turned its attention to partner work, Sanbon Kumite, leg blocks and defence, and bunkai from Pinan Ni.
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After lunch, the seminar broke up into groups. Students not attempting a board break were assigned to a particular group and instructor to revise kata pertinent to their grade level.
For everyone else, Hanshi Howard Lipman led the class through tameshiwari. Hanshi introduced first-timers to the basics of board breaking, while more experienced karateka got some pointers before attempting larger breaks and multi-board combinations.
The class then recombined for an intense bag session, where students rotated through pairings to practise their roundhouse kicks.
Next was the Naihanchi kata. Shihan Idir Bahamid took the seminar through the kata, emphasising the importance of a solid stance and correct focus in the execution of techniques.
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After studying the kata, the group loosened up for kumite. Kyu grades and the Little Lions had turns sparring the black belts. A few egos were bruised, but everyone enjoyed and learned from the experience.
The seminar group on the Saturday.
That evening, Shihan Rick hosted a dinner for the out-of-Sydney guests and senior grades.
The next morning began with a suitably tiring basics session, led by Hanshi Howard.
After the basics, the seminar spent the rest of the day on self-defence, fighting techniques and kata revision, often broken into smaller groups by grade level. The group also revisited Naihanchi kata. The Kyokushin focus was briefly interrupted for a Kobudo session. Students had the option of learning a Bo, Sai or Eku kata, dependent on their experience level.
Sempai Jason Lambe and Sempai Patricia Tan during the Sydney KIMAA Seminar.
Shihan Peter Olive instructing.
The class finished up after a final group session. The KIMAA seminars continue to be an important feature on the calendar for students to interact with members from other parts of the organisation, and for the instructors to ensure unity in technical standards and Kyokushin spirit. Thanks go to all the organisers, and those who made the effort to travel to Sydney.
The next KIMAA seminar is at the North Coast in May.
The weekend of 10-11 February saw two senior classes take place in Sydney.
Hanshi Howard Lipman led a Black Belt class at Turramurra Dojo on the Saturday afternoon. Assisting with instruction were Shihan Peter Olive and Shihan Idir Bahamid. Some basic blocks, strikes and kicks were covered, along with most senior kata. The class finished with some partner drills.
Shihan Peter Olive and Shihan Idir Bahamid
Sensei Paul Finnerty, Sensei Mark Shelmerdine and Sensei James Sidwell
Hanshi Howard Lipman and Sensei Ben Ng
It was a hot, sweaty afternoon of Kyokushin training, but everyone pushed themselves hard. Yudansha of Turramurra and Annangrove dojos trained, along with Sensei David Craigie of Young Dojo.
Sensei James Sidwell, Sensei Don Cheong, Stephen Runge, Sensei Ben Ng, Sempai Jason Lambe, Hanshi Howard Lipman, Sensei David Craigie, Bernard Wilson, Sensei Ian Holdaway, Sempai Josh Darley, Sensei Paul Finnerty, Sensei Mark Shelmerdine, Shihan Peter Olive, Shihan Idir Bahamid and Sempai Alex Lloyd.
Both classes are gearing towards the March KIMAA Seminar in Sydney, and the next senior grading in June. Keep up to date with KIMAA events in the calendar.
The KIMAA calendar for 2018 is now available online.
Please be sure to regularly check the Calendar page, as this is updated live.
The currently available dates include seminars across all seven KIMAA dojos, senior gradings, black belt training, Sydney junior and kids gradings, and Sydney Kobudo.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your instructor.
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 